BIG-HEARTED members of the public raised more than £400,000 in 2013 to help keep the Midlands Air Ambulance in the skies.

The money raised across the six Midland counties covered by the service will help to cover aviation fuel costs for the charity’s three ambulance helicopters throughout 2014.

Jason Levy, fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance, thanked all those who donated last year but urged people to continue to support the charity.

He said: “The fact that our tins have raised over £400,000 demonstrates just how important it is to drop your pennies, and pounds, into one our red collection tins.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated their loose change to us as it has added up to make an incredibly important difference, and will enable our aircrews to continue their life saving work.”

Mr Levy is also asking shop owners, schools, and businesses to support the charity by having a tin on display.

Anyone wishing to display a tin can call the fundraising and administrative support team on 0800 8 40 20 40.